The Brookfield Scene

We’ve traveled Brookfield roads over the past few months looking for pieces of history. This is the final article based on the Historical Inventory conducted in 1993 for the City of Brookfield. The intent of the study was to develop a historical preservation ordinance for the city. An ordinance was proposed but was never approved. Fourteen years later the city is still without an historical preservation ordinance.

There is no mention of historic preservation in Brookfield’s 2020 Master Plan. Evidently our heritage, our roots and our past are not important to the city fathers.

Our trip through Brookfield’s historic properties continues into the 1940s. Only a few homes identified as “outstanding,” “notable” or “of local interest” were still standing in 1993. All homes were built in 1940 except the home on N. 130 Street (1941). Starting from the west:

The Arthur Davidson Sr. Home (19605 Davidson Rd.) was considered outstanding in 1993.

Other homes include:

4220 N. Brookfield Road
18060 Hoffman Ave. (included a barn)
1560 Milrod Lane
200 S. Park Boulevard
2580 Eastwood Drive (rustic cottage) – “notable”
2620 N. 130th Street

I'd be delighted to learn about the sites you were most intrigued with. Simply send an email to JW-BLOG@wi.rr.com.

Brookfield continued to develop in the 1930s despite the nation’s depression. In fact, the City's historic inventory in 1993 considered many 1930s buildings as "outstanding" or "of local interest". Those structures centered on Brookfield, Burleigh, Gebhardt and Lilly Roads; Greenfield and North Avenues; and other north / south roads.

Brookfield Road - A new Brookfield Elementary school was built in 1930. In later years (1958 and 2000) ‘new’ schools would replace the others. Two homes were built nearby, one at 3035 N. Brookfield Road (1931), and the other at 18250 Hoffman Ave (1932).

Burleigh Road - At the time of the historic inventory, two homes of local interest stood along Burleigh Road - 15100 Burleigh Road (1932) and 18615 Burleigh Road (1930).

Gebhardt Road - The 1993 survey described two heavily-altered 1930s homes standing a block apart at 19460 and 19500 Gebhardt Road.

Greenfield Avenue - Three homes clustered between 126th and 130th and Greenfield were built. Look for them at 2650 Greenfield Ave. (1930), 12960 Greenfield Ave. (1936) and 13030 Greenfield Ave. (1934).

Lilly Road - A home at 3440 Lilly Road (1938) and another home (with a barn) at 4115 Lilly Road (1935) still stood in 1993.

North Avenue - A double house at 14975-85 W. North Ave.

Other homes built in 1930 and 1938 stood at: 4030 N.127 St. (1930); 2345 N. 130 St. (1938); and 4060 N. 135 St. (1938)* and 440 N. Prospect Dr. (1930).

*This home was moved from Lannon about 1950.

At the time the inventory was conducted, two buildings were listed as historically outstanding. They include the Gate Houses at Wisconsin Memorial Park (13235 W. Capitol Drive) in 1931 and a home at 15450 Fieldstone Dr. (1930).


On your next trip in the area, look for these pieces of history. They may or may not be standing. The City of Brookfield does not have a historic preservation ordinance.

The flags along Calhoun Road near the City offices are a symbol of patriotism. For some reason they stood out this week, although they may have been erected for Memorial Day. Memorial Day starts me reminiscing. How I wish I knew about my great-grandparents lives in Brookfield during the mid 1800s. How I resolve to share my life with my family.

Spend time with your family tomorrow – and start sharing stories of your lives. And if you want to know what early Brookfield was like, visit the Dousman Stagecoach Inn tomorrow afternoon. Built in 1843, it once stood on the old Watertown Plank Road. It’s the only building in Brookfield that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Guided tours are given from 1 - 4 p.m., the first and third Sundays of the month. Admission is $4 Adults; $1 Children; $3 Seniors; and $10 families. Children under 5 are free. The “Flags of Our Forefathers” exhibit is on display only three more Sundays.

The historic Dousman Stagecoach Inn is at 1075 Pilgrim Parkway (between Bluemound & Gebhardt Roads).

Group tours may be arranged by calling 262 782-4057.

Last week’s continuing journey through Brookfield’s development focused on the Roaring 20s. Coincidentally, “An Evening with the Great Gatsby" is being held on Saturday, June 23, as a benefit for the Elmbrook Humane Society. You’ll have a chance to see a fantastic home and indulge yourself while supporting four legged creatures.

Area residents and animal lovers from throughout the Greater Milwaukee area are invited to step back into the glamour and glitz of the roaring twenties by attending "An Evening with the Great Gatsby", a benefit for the Elmbrook Humane Society. The gala will take place at the Elm Grove home of Marjorie Takton.

Guests will be able to meander through the magnificent 24,000 square foot, 2 1/2 year old Country French chateau style mansion. They will also be able to explore for the first time the exquisite multiple gardens that surround Takton’s home and the outdoor pool area.

There will be dance music by Stray Voltage, a dinner catered by Jack Norman and wine, beer and soft drinks throughout the evening.

Plus, there’s more: gaming opportunities run by Vegas on Wheels, a silent auction of many exceptional items, a chance to win a pair of chandelier diamond earrings at the Martini Surprise/Diamond Bar and a chance to buy an 18 inch hand painted Beastie.

The cost to attend this dressy summer attire event is $150 per person. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. Please call Karen Sparapani at the Elmbrook Humane Society (262)754-6597 for an invitation. Reservations for “An Evening with the Great Gatsby” must be received no later than June 20, 2007.


The Elmbrook Humane Society is working on the final phase of its capital campaign in support of its new shelter in Brookfield. So far, it has raised $1.4 million dollars toward its $2 million goal. The new facility helps improves the quality of life of the animals they care for and offers a warm and welcoming environment to visitors.